EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING
A HELPFUL GUIDE TO SELECTING AND APPLYING FOR EDUCATION, APPRENTICESHIPS & EMPLOYMENT
If
Moama Bowling Club offers
Moama Bowling Club are an employer of choice encouraging an excellent work/life balance.
We offer apprenticeships and traineeships in Commercial Cookery, Hospitality, Greenkeeping, Sports & Recreation, Administration and more. These traineeships offer unique and exciting opportunities in a world class environment. Earn while you learn.
Alternative senior secondary pathways for young people in Echuca and Bendigo
For some students, traditional school environments may not align with their learning needs or personal circumstances. Whether due to mental health, physical wellbeing, or the need for a more practical and flexible approach, mainstream education can present challenges. Bendigo TAFE proudly offers an alternative senior secondary option through the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) and Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC), providing meaningful pathways for young people to complete their secondary education in a supportive, skills-focused environment.
The VCE Vocational Major is a two-year program that combines academic learning with vocational training, giving students a clear line of sight to employment, apprenticeships, TAFE, or further study. It moves away from the traditional reliance on exams and ATAR scores, focusing instead on applied learning and diverse assessment methods.
At Bendigo TAFE’s Echuca campus, VCE VM students can specialise in Building and Construction, Salon Assistant, Retail Cosmetics, Early Childhood Education and Care or Engineering. The Bendigo City campus offers an expanded suite of streams, including Building and Construction, Engineering, Automotive (Mechanical), Allied Health Assistance, Make up, Salon Assistant, Electro Technology, Cookery, and Hospitality, Animal Care, and Early Childhood Education and Care.
“VCE VM equips students with job-ready skills while preparing them for further education and training. The curriculum is practical, relevant, and designed to support students in identifying and achieving their individual goals.”
Marc, Senior Educator at Bendigo TAFE
“Studying at Bendigo TAFE is way less stressful, there are no exams or ATAR and the support makes all the difference.”
Manny, VCE VM Student at Bendigo TAFE
The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) is a flexible Year 11 and 12 program tailored for students who may benefit from a more individualised and supported approach. It allows students to build confidence and skills before transitioning into VCE VM, vocational training, or employment.
Current VCE VM student Jokai, who completed the VPC in 2024 and is now studying at Bendigo TAFE, describes the experience as a turning point: “The supportive environment and approachable teachers have made learning enjoyable and achievable. I’ve been able to stay on track with my workload and feel more confident in my abilities.”
A key feature of both VCE VM and VPC at Bendigo TAFE is the dedicated support provided through Learning Support Coaches, who work closely with students to meet their academic and wellbeing needs.
“We provide consistent, personalised support, both in the classroom and one-on-one,” say Carlie, Learning Support Coach and Michelle our VCE VM/VPC Success Coach. “We take the time to understand each student’s strengths and challenges and support them throughout their journey.”
Bendigo TAFE is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and engaging learning environment where all students feel empowered to succeed. These programs run in an alternative setting, are designed to help students complete their schooling and also to prepare them for life beyond the classroom. “Stay curious and open to every opportunity,” encourages Marc. “Your time at Bendigo TAFE can shape your future in ways you may not yet imagine.”
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT 2025
A 19-year-old Echuca resident is carving out his career path through a specialised employment support program, showcasing the successful transition from school to work life.
Nate Spiers, a 2024 graduate of St Joseph’s College Echuca, has seamlessly entered the workforce through Vivid’s Employment Pathway program, which incorporates the NDIS-funded School Leavers Employment Supports initiative.
During his schooling, Nate earned recognition for his commitment to managing recycling bins, a role that enabled him to connect with the school community.
This was a job he enjoyed as it meant stopping in to greet students and teachers in other classes across the campus.
A well-loved and valued member of the school, Nate’s enthusiasm for staying active, connected, and part of a community led him and his family to transition into Vivid’s Employment Pathways Program and to continue to build on those strengths.
Partnerships like these, between Vivid and schools like St Joseph’s College, are key to ensuring our young participants are well supported as they move from the familiarity of their school environment into young adulthood.
At his current position with Woolworths Echuca West, Nate handles box collection across departments and operates the box crusher.
“It is hard to decide which part I enjoy more, pushing the button on the box crusher, or moving around the store, interacting with teammates and customers,” Nate said.
The collaboration between Vivid and Woolworths has opened doors for young people with disabilities to build essential workplace skills.
Nate’s time at Woolworths is a shining example of what’s possible when businesses partner with support organisations like Vivid, which has strong community connections and a commitment to success for young school leavers living with a disability.
Outside of work, Nate leads an energetic lifestyle, engaging in basketball, tennis, swimming, gym workouts and golf.
He cherishes time with his family, including his beloved pets Gilbert, his dog and Paw Over, his cat, while maintaining social connections through sports and video gaming at Vivid.
The positive outcomes of the program highlight how young people living with disabilities can flourish when given targeted support in their transition from education to employment.
If you know a young person who would be interested in exploring SLES
or the Employment Pathways program, contact Vivid on (03) 5480 661 or email info @ wearevivd.org.au
At We Are Vivid, we’re passionate about creating inclusive, meaningful employment opportunities for people of all abilities. We o er a positive, welcoming environment where everyone can contribute, grow and feel truly valued.
Why work at Vivid?
Purpose-driven work
Make a real di erence in the lives of people living with disability and your community.
Inclusive workplace
We celebrate diversity and provide tailored support so each person can thrive.
Skill building
Grow through training, mentoring and hands-on experience.
Team spirit
Be part of a friendly, dedicated team working together to deliver quality services.
Careers at Vivid
Looking to start your career in Community Services or take the next step? We o er a range of roles across northern Victoria, including disability support, Support coordination, administration, management and leadership positions. We welcome people from all backgrounds who share our commitment to inclusion and community.
For NDIS participants with career aspirations
Our Employment Pathway Program helps you reach your employment goals through a pathway tailored just for you. Our Employment Support Workers guide you, build your skills and help you gain confidence. Options include:
• Supported Employment – paid work with
• on-the-job support
• School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)
• Supports in Employment – ongoing help to
• thrive in your chosen role
At Vivid, it’s not just about finding a job — it’s about discovering what’s possible for you.
Your Life. Our Journey. Together We Are Vivid.
For more information on all the opportunities Vivid o ers people with disability go to wearevivid.org.au
Finding the perfect fit for a job role is vital, not just for employer success, but also for employee satisfaction.
A well-matched hire enhances workplace harmony and supports long-term growth.
That’s why recruitment agency MP Recruitment takes pride in offering tailored hiring solutions to businesses across Echuca and Shepparton.
MP Recruitment’s Anthony Heward, an Echuca local, has over a decade of experience supporting the employment sector in Echuca.
Mr Heward understands the importance of aligning the right candidate with the right company.
“Understanding a business’ workplace culture and the specific requirements of a job role is essential,” Anthony said.
“The hiring process can take time, but investing in it ensures we find the ideal candidate to help businesses thrive.”
MP Recruitment provides specialised services for both permanent and temporary roles, including labour hire.
Their expertise spans a wide range of industries, including white-collar and blue-collar roles, community services, and the not-for-profit sector.
For over 30 years, MP Recruitment has been a trusted partner to businesses seeking high-quality talent.
“Our mission is simple: help businesses find the right match to drive success and ensure a seamless hiring process from start to finish,” Anthony said.
Their deep understanding of workforce dynamics and industry needs allows them to simplify recruitment, reducing stress for both employers and job seekers.
Beyond supporting businesses, MP Recruitment is also committed to helping individuals on their career journey.
Whether actively seeking a role or exploring future opportunities, job seekers are encouraged to join MP Recruitment’s talent pool.
“We invite people to reach out and upload their resumé to our website,” Anthony said.
“That way, when the right opportunity comes up, we can connect them with a role that matches their skills and aspirations.”
With a reputation for professionalism, industry expertise, and a genuine commitment to finding the right match, MP Recruitment continues to make a meaningful impact across the region, for businesses and job seekers alike.
If you’re looking to hire or hoping to take the next step in your career, MP Recruitment is here to help.
• You can contact Anthony Heward on 0428 355 561.
• MP Recruitment is located at 258 Anstruther St, Echuca, visit mprecruitment.com.au
MP Recruitment’s Anthony Heward
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT 2024
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT 2025
The Beacon Foundation, a national not-for-profit organisation, has spent more than 35 years helping students bridge the divide between school and work, connecting them with real-world career pathways before graduation.
Beacon Foundation project co-ordinator
Cath Elms said while Beacon began in Tasmania in 1988, it had since grown to mainland Australia, operating with a distinctive model in the Echuca-Moama region.
“We are unique in that we are run by a board of directors, as the other Beacons are siloed in individual schools,” Cath said.
“We sit outside of the schools and cover five schools in Echuca Moama.”
The initiative encompasses Australian Christian College, Echuca, Twin Rivers, Moama Grammar, Echuca College and St Joseph’s College, facilitating larger joint events and a more integrated regional strategy.
A cornerstone of the program is its student leadership component.
Year 8 students can apply for Beacon
Leader positions that they take up in Year 9, subsequently helping develop and implement programs for Years 9 and 10 students throughout the year.
“It keeps it more youth-focused and more current,” Cath said.
“It has been a long time since I’ve been a teenager, so it is really great to hear from those leaders and find out what they think will work better.”
The forthcoming pathways pledge ceremony, set to host more than 500 students, demonstrates this youth-driven approach.
The event will showcase keynote speaker Ben Welch, recognised for his 444 run that generated over half a million dollars for Headspace along the Murray River.
The ceremony will feature a panel discussion steered by Beacon leaders, including diverse voices from a university
graduate, a local business owner, an apprentice, and Zach Phyland, who found employment at the Moama Bowling Club through Vivid disability services.
“The leaders will be talking to them, asking questions, and hopefully, between those five speakers, every single student in that room will be able to pick up something out of that discussion,” Cath said.
“The main purpose of Beacon is to help students to make better informed decisions so they can continue to pursue training, education or employment.”
Throughout the year, Beacon coordinates various initiatives, starting with a business breakfast for the Beacon leaders, sponsors, schools and supporters of the program.
The largest event Beacon runs in the area each year is the career expo, which this year showcased more than 50 different industries, enabling students to explore four different career paths through hands-on sessions.
“The students visit four different industries throughout the morning for 20 minutes,
having a deep dive into each of those four different industries,” Cath said.
“We spend quite a bit of time with our industries, discussing how they should present to the students.
“We encourage them to do hands-on engagement, a demonstration of what a day in the life might look like, things that students might not know about the industry, interesting facts, all the different opportunities within an industry that students may not have thought of.
“It is exposing local industry to our students, our future workforce, starting relationships, and also relationships with our schools, so an industry might be able to connect in better with the school, opening up that pathway.”
If you or your business would like to help young people in the region find a real-world career pathway that is right for them, reach out to Beacon Foundation project coordinator Cath Elms at the CCLLEN on 03 5482 6055 or beaconfoundation.org.au
Beacon organises various events throughout the year, including a career expo with over 50 industries to help students explore different career paths.
ECHUCA AND MOAMA MCDONALD’S
McDonald’s restaurants across Deniliquin, Echuca and Moama are offering current and new team members the chance to gain nationally recognised certificate three in retail services qualifications while earning an income.
McDonald’s Deniliquin, Echuca and Moama people and culture manager Josh Berryman, who began his McDonald’s journey as a crew member locally more than a decade ago, now coordinates the certificate program that enables paid study time during work hours.
“A lot of our current managers have been with us for a while, like six years or more, and have all been through the retail program as well,” Josh said.
“It has strengthened their knowledge and leadership skills and helps their management style.”
Current trainee Shelby-Rose Willis, who stepped into shift management in June, describes her experience.
“Through the certificate three in retail, McDonald’s pays me for all study and assessment time during my regular working hours. There’s no homework to do, which is the best part,” ShelbyRose said
“We get the opportunity to build a career path with McDonald’s. I have regular check-ins with Josh to make
Current McDonald’s trainees like Shelby and Boyd are benefiting from the program, with McDonald’s covering study and assessment time during regular working hours. Pictured from left are Shelby-Rose Willis, Boyd Young and people and culture
sure that what I’m learning keeps me motivated and engaged at work.
“I started shift management in June this year. I’ve already learnt so much about how the business operates and
how to coach and lead crew members on my shifts, I really enjoy upskilling crew.”
Fellow trainee Boyd Young emphasises the growth opportunities.
“I get rostered time to complete the study at work. I am also provided with all resources needed to complete my training,” Boyd said.
“McDonald’s provides unique experiences, such as attending courses in-person in Melbourne, to help enhance my development within the business.
“McDonald’s is helping me build my confidence and setting up with skills that I can use for life, such as leading teams, growing a business and building new relationships.”
The restaurants are now recruiting for the summer period. Given their locations, McDonald’s Deniliquin and Moama can employ sta from age 14, while Echuca requires candidates to be at least 14 years and nine months old.
“We are always looking for people,” Josh said.
“We are always very excited when people start with the company, and it is great to see people develop at work.
“We’re always recruiting new team and coaching our current team into future leaders within our business.
A career at McDonald’s can really take you anywhere.”
Prospective candidates can submit applications via the McDonald’s Australia careers website at careers. mcdonalds.com.au/jobs
Rich River Golf Club where golf meets great food, events, accommodation and opportunity.
We’re more than a club, we’re a large, supportive workplace offering real careers across a wide range of fields.
Whether you’re a school leaver, someone seeking a new direc�on or simply looking for a be�er work-life balance, Rich River Golf Club could be the place for you.
We offer full-�me, part-�me and casual posi�ons in areas including:
• Cheffing & Kitchen Opera�ons
• Café, Bar & Food Service
• Recep�on & Accommoda�on
• Events & Marke�ng
• Human Resources & Administra�on
• Maintenance & Mechanics
• Greenkeeping & Gardening
• Golf Opera�ons & Coaching Appren�ceships, traineeships, and work experience opportuni�es are also available with in-house training to help you succeed.
Flexible shi�s to suit your schedule, a great team culture and a fast-paced environment where your contribu�on is valued.
Whether you’re a�er your first job or ready to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you. Come chat with us. Anything’s possible at Rich River Golf Club.
Phone: (03) 5481 3333
Email: hr@richriver.com.au
Website: www.richriver.com.au/ careers
ERH is the largest employer in Echuca-Moama and as an Equal Opportunity Employer we encourage applications from all members of the community.
We offer a supportive and inclusive culture that offers opportunities for growth and development. We also have a fantastic range of employee benefits.
Positions exist across a variety of departments within the Health Service including:
ERH actively seek to increase First Nations representation across all areas of our Health Service, recognising the importance of diverse perspectives in delivering culturally responsive care.
First Nations Recruitment Support available:
Flexible application processes
Informal interviews
Additional tailored resources available:
EDUCATION,
In a time when meaningful employment and accessible education are more important than ever, Community Living & Respite Services is leading the way with a traineeship model that blends paid work with formal training, offering a unique ‘Earn and Learn’ opportunity for aspiring disability support professionals.
Through a dynamic collaboration with VIVID Disability Support Service and Bendigo TAFE, CLRS has developed a program that allows trainees to gain nationally recognised qualifications while earning a stable income. Unlike in traditional models, CLRS ensures that trainee pay rates remain unchanged, making the program financially viable and attractive for those entering the sector.
“Our goal is to empower individuals to build inclusive communities,” CLRS human resources manager Anna de Vrieze said.
“This program not only supports career development, but also ensures our team members are well equipped to provide high-quality, person-centred support.” Trainees are mentored by experienced
team leaders who hold certificate, or diploma, level qualifications.
These mentors provide guidance, encouragement and practical insights, helping trainees grow both professionally and personally.
One of the trainees, Zoe, joined the program in 2024.
She trained alongside peers from CLRS and VIVID, describing the experience as “collaborative and inspiring”.
Zoe appreciated the supportive learning environment and the financial incentives that came with it.
CLRS has also expanded the traineeship model to include staff working in out-of-home care, ensuring that those supporting young people with disability meet the necessary qualifications and receive the mentorship needed to succeed.
This initiative reflects CLRS’s commitment to building a skilled, compassionate workforce ready to make a real difference in the lives of others.
For more information, visit clrs.org.au or contact the HR team on 03 5480 2388.
Direct Support Professionals roles may involve providing assistance with daily living including meals, personal
hoisting, assistance with everyday household tasks, and meaningful engagement in our local community.
Reliable liquid transport solutions, designed to meet the demands of diverse industries.
Byford Equipment based in Moama, NSW, has been a leader in tanker design, fabrication, and repairs since 1976. We provide reliable transport solutions for the AdBlue, bitumen, chemical, dairy, oil, tallow, water and wine industries. As a proud family-owned business, we bring a personal commitment to quality, trust, and long-term partnerships.
We collaborate with leading operators across Australia to deliver customengineered tankers that prioritise safety, durability, and efficiency. Our commitment to innovation, precision craftsmanship, and excellence ensures we meet the evolving needs of the transport industry.
Innovation is at the heart of what we do. From patented features like bottomentry manways, vertical hose swivels, and fail-safe breathers, to demountable pump module hose reels and advanced PBS-approved tanker combinations, every design aims to boost safety, efficiency, and payload. Guided by real-world operator feedback, we continually push to make the job faster, easier, and safer.
Demountable pump modules designed for fast loading, easy access, and improved safety.
Customised to its intended use with a focus on hygiene, quality and performance.
High quality maintenance and repairs for all brands, on-site or inhouse.
